Brown back on track

Former Tasmanian fast bowler Roger Brown has praised the current players for funding the ACA's Medical Support Scheme on a recent appearance on ABC Grandstand.

Brown, who was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer 18 months ago, was highlighting the importance for men to get themselves checked and detailed the support he received from the ACA in the wake of the diagnosis.

Due to the costs associated with treatment, Brown was left significantly out-of-pocket in 2015, but was entitled to assistance from the ACA Medical Support Scheme.

Brown told Grandstand that his diagnosis was a shock.

"After I spoke to my doctor, after regular checkups, we became aware that it was an aggressive cancer, so I ended up having the surgery on it.

"So I am recovering at the moment, and process that I take is to get back out there, get involved and get back to work and get yourself back into life in general and hopefully beat the beast.

"All the tests that I have had so far have been good. So at the moment, I am all clear. "

Under the Past Player Medical Support Scheme, past players are entitled to support for up to $500 of hospital costs, and up to $2000 for more significant illness and procedures.

As National Manager of the Past Player Program, Clea Smith contacted Brown once the ACA became aware of the illness.

"Once diagnosed with Prostate Cancer I was contacted by Clea, and then she informed me of the funding for health assistance," Brown said.

"So because I was substantially out of pocket for the surgery, the money which came from the ACA bared the brunt of that, so it was fantastic.

Brown acknowledged the significant sacrifice of the current playing group, who have forgone $28.7 million to fund programs such as the medical support scheme.

"What a great thing for our current group, and the players before them to put forward funds to help guys from way back in my back in my era, to get through and help with funding for health to get you back on track.

ACA Player Relations Manager and Grandstand commentator Simon Katich reiterated this in the broadcast, saying how valuable the players have been in supporting generations past.

"The current players have been very generous in providing funds from the current MOU over the last five years, to provide opportunities for Past Players to be able to access the medical support scheme," Katich said.

"The [medical support scheme] is eligible for past players, the current players have donated $28.7 million, from the recent MOU which expires next year towards all the different programs that the ACA runs, and the medical support scheme is one of those schemes.

"There's a whole number of schemes whether it be career and welfare programs, transition programs, education grants; there is a whole variety of resources there that the ACA fund through the current playing group.

"I think it's a great example of generosity of the current players, respecting the traditions of the past, knowing full well that they have benefited from the players who came before them in making Australian cricket strong.

"So it's fantastic initiative that has allowed past players to access this money, and that's thanks to the current players.

Brown, emphasized that the disease can affect anyone, but a positive attitude was essential for his recovery.

"It certainly was [a shock], I have always kept myself in pretty good nick. I have coached a lot of cricket, played obviously, looked after myself diet wise. So I felt it was a bit unfair," Brown said.

"But I take a positive attitude to things like that, you can sit around and feel sorry for yourself, or you can get back out there and get back into it. So that's my approach, and that's what I have been doing. So far so good."